Because the world of Whiskey (and mostly any food item) is such a subjective realm, I feel I should give you some reference for my taste... before I tried their Ravenswood Rye, Templeton's Small Batch Rye was all alone in the world of Rye's that I adored. Well needless to say they had me at the first poor, but of the six different whiskeys I tried that day it was Silver Cross and Ravenswood that flew to the top of my new favorites chart.
Well, it has been over a year since I was introduced to this distillery all I can say is the Journeyman affair lives on...Their new limited release rye, Fedralist 12th, is everything I expected and more. Starting out at a bold 90 proof, I expected this rye would drink slightly hotter than some of the more popular one's out there, and I was right.
Nose: The first sniff I took from my Glencairn was not exactly pleasant. But, on the second smell I was completely intrigued, the aroma had a hint of cinnamon and clove that was immediately drowned in a wash of maple. Finally, the third sniff brings out the hints of toasted marshmallow and tobacco.
Taste: The first burn is pleasant, tantalizing the tongue bringing forward all of the floral qualities of the mash bill. Then, moving to the sweetness of toffee, and finishing with the smoothness of butter and honey, with a salty aftertaste.
I give this $50 bottle a 3.75 of 5 stars.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, if you are lucky enough to get your hands on this delicious spirit.
